BEGGAR CAN BE CHOOSER: Top clubs lining up for highly rated goalkeeper Asmir Begovic [GETTY ]

Stoke are braced for a big-money tug-of-war to land their talented Bosnian keeper.

The race for the 27-year-old is expected to accelerate now he has returned from international duty in Brazil following Bosnia's early exit at the group stage.

Arsenal are among a number of top clubs at home and abroad to have been linked with the 6ft 6ins stopper.

But Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is understood to be at the front of the queue. He's a massive fan of Begovic and tried to sign him twice during his time at Chelsea.

He's eager to move quickly to solve a potential goalkeeping crisis at the Bernabeu.

His No.1 choice Diego Lopez looks to be off to Italy, with Napoli and AC Milan ready to make a move.

Ancelotti has the legendary Iker Casillas as his back up, but the 33-year-old Spanish international spent most of last season on the bench as he was used only as Real's 'cup keeeper'.

REAL PROBLEMS: Carlo Ancelotti looks set to have a goalkeeping crisis on his hands [GETTY ]

“While Casillas enjoys legendary standing in Madrid, many feel his best years are now behind him”

And Casillas has also just endured a disastrous World Cup where he let in seven goals in two games for Spain before being dropped for the win over Australia which couldn't rescue the reigning champions.

Spain returned home in disgrace as the first team to be knocked out, with Casillas coming in for heavy criticism.

While Casillas enjoys legendary standing in Madrid, many feel his best years are now behind him.

Ancelotti has already indicated as much by keeping him in a back-up role and sees now as an ideal time to bring in Begovic.

And Potters boss Mark Hughes knows he faces a fight to hang onto his highly-rated No.1.

Begovic, signed from Portsmouth four years ago for just over £3m, has joined the elite bracket of top Premier League keepers.

But while Stoke won't be inviting offers, they will be unable to stand in his way if the right bid comes in.

Hughes said: "I'm not surprised if top teams are looking at him because he's an outstanding keeper."